Rhode Island – Snow dulls pavement, tires hiss on slush, and visibility drops fast across southern New England this morning. Light flakes thicken at times, sticking quickly as cold air tightens its grip across Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through early evening for much of Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts. Snow totals range from 3 to 6 inches, with steady accumulation expected through the afternoon. Winds gust up to 35 mph, causing blowing snow and reduced visibility on exposed roadways.
In Providence, snowfall continues through midday, creating slippery travel on I-95, I-195, and Route 6. Even treated roads turn slick during heavier bursts. Drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and plan extra time through the evening commute. Side streets and parking lots may ice over quickly as temperatures fall.
The weather threat does not end when snow tapers. A Cold Weather Advisory takes over this evening and lasts into Sunday afternoon. Northwest winds pull in sharply colder air, dropping wind chills as low as 20 degrees below zero. This sets up a classic flash-freeze scenario. Melted snow refreezes rapidly after sunset, leaving black ice on sidewalks, bridges, and ramps.
Sunday turns bright but remains bitter. Highs struggle to reach the upper teens, and wind chills stay below zero at times. Outdoor exposure should be limited, with hats, gloves, and face protection strongly recommended.
Conditions slowly improve early next week. Monday stays cold but calmer, with highs near 30. By Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures rebound into the low to mid-30s, with hints of additional light snow midweek. Longer-range signals suggest a gradual February thaw later next week.
If you’re traveling today, expect changing conditions hour by hour. Seeing slick roads or heavy snow where you are? Tell us what you’re noticing.
Five-Day Outlook for Providence, RI
- Today: Snow, 3–6 inches; high near 28°F
- Tonight: Chance of snow early, then very cold; low near 3°F
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, bitter cold; high near 19°F
- Monday: Sunny and cold; high near 29°F
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny; high near 32°F
